Eye floaters, also known as myodesopsias, are shadowy shapes that drift across your vision, often linked to aging. Understanding their causes and consulting with eye doctors can help maintain your vision health.
Eye floaters, or myodesopsias, are those shadowy shapes or dots that drift across your field of vision, often most noticeable when you gaze at a clear sky or a blank wall. They occur when the vitreous humor—the gel-like substance filling the middle of your eye—changes in consistency and density, casting shadows on the retina. Although they are a common part of aging, any sudden increase or change in floaters should prompt a visit to our eye doctors for further evaluation.
Eye floaters develop as a result of tiny opacities in the vitreous humor. Over time, the gel within the eye begins to thin and shrink, causing microscopic fibers to become tangled and clump together. As light passes through the now-altered vitreous, these clumps cast shadows on the retina, leading to the appearance of floaters.
These opacities can look like squiggly lines, spots, cobwebs, or threads that your eyes try—unsuccessfully—to dismiss when you blink. You might also experience flashes of light, called photopsias, which occur when the vitreous humor pulls on the retina during a process known as posterior vitreous detachment. The experience of floaters is similar to having tiny particles floating idea dust on a camera lens; no matter how often you try to get rid of them, they continue to move along with your eye movements.
This phenomenon is generally part of the natural aging process, but it can sometimes signal more serious conditions. The way the floaters behave can help our eye doctors determine if further investigation is required, particularly in cases where they accompany flashes of light or if there's a sudden onset of multiple floaters.
Floaters can take on a variety of appearances, and their exact look may differ from person to person. Some common descriptions include:
Your unique perception means that no two people describe floaters exactly alike. One might see a series of delicate threads and another might notice cloudy dots; both accounts are entirely normal.
If you're experiencing new or increased floaters, contact us today to schedule an evaluation with top eye doctors near you.
The primary cause of eye floaters is the natural aging process. As we age, the vitreous humor gradually shrinks and becomes more liquid, leading to the clumping of its microscopic fibers. This process, known as posterior vitreous detachment, is entirely normal but can result in the formation of floaters.
There are additional factors and conditions that contribute to or increase the likelihood of developing floaters. Here’s what you need to know:
While most floaters are harmless and merely a sign of aging, they can, in some cases, signal underlying conditions that require prompt evaluation by our eye doctors.
When you visit our office with concerns about floaters, our approach is thorough and friendly. The first step is a complete eye exam that often includes the careful dilation of your pupils. This ensures that we can see the entire interior of your eye clearly, including the vitreous and the retina, allowing us to assess the number, size, and type of floaters.
During the exam, we utilize advanced imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT). This noninvasive imaging test provides detailed cross-sectional images of your retina and macula. It helps us detect any subtle changes or damages that might be hidden in the shadows of the floaters. In some cases, fluorescein angiography is used to further explore the details of your retinal circulation.
Your medical history is also an important piece of the puzzle. We’ll ask questions about when you first noticed the floaters, whether you have experienced any flashes or other vision changes, and if you have any past injuries or surgeries. This detailed history, combined with the imaging findings, helps us rule out serious conditions like retinal tears, detachment, uveitis, or hemorrhages.
If you're experiencing new or increased floaters, contact us today to schedule an evaluation with top eye doctors near you.
Eye floaters, or myodesopsias, are common but can signal deeper issues. Consult our eye doctors to evaluate your vision health.
